EXTREME differences in the way genes are expressed by fetuses with Down’s syndrome could point to ways to treat the condition in the womb.
The disorder arises when some or all of an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present, but exactly how this additional set of genes disrupts development, leading to learning difficulties and other symptoms of Down’s, isn’t clear.
Now and colleagues at Tufts Medical Center in Boston have found 414 genes – many not on chromosome 21 – that are expressed differently in the amniotic fluid surrounding fetuses with the disorder (Proceedings of the National Academy of…
